Former commandery with castle, church and outbuildings, Medieval architectural ensemble in Köniz, Switzerland.
This former commandery is an ensemble of castle, church, and outbuildings arranged around a central courtyard. The structures span different periods and display a blend of Romanesque elements alongside later additions and renovations.
The Teutonic Knights received this property in 1226 from King Henry and Emperor Frederick II, which sparked a decades-long dispute over ownership. The buildings were subsequently modified and expanded over the following centuries.
The buildings carry names reflecting their former roles: the Kornhaus stored grain while the Haberhaus held oats, revealing how the estate organized its agricultural resources. Visitors can see how daily life revolved around managing these storage spaces across the compound.
The property sits on Muhlernstrasse in central Köniz and is easily accessible by foot. The cluster of buildings is visible and viewable from outside as you walk through the area.
Archaeological excavations revealed remains of an early medieval church buried beneath the current structure, indicating religious activity before the commandery was established. This discovery shows the site held sacred significance long before its official founding.
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